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Finger Joint Fusion Surgery for Lasting Arthritis Relief

To help you discuss finger joint fusion surgery as a treatment option with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.

What Is Arthritis of the Fingers?

Arthritis develops when the cartilage wears-out, resulting in pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most commonly affected joints are the small joints of the fingers.

Finger joint fusion surgery is a procedure performed to relieve arthritis pain in the fingers.

Finger Joint Fusion Procedure

Finger joint fusion is a surgical procedure to remove the damaged bony ends of a finger joint, followed by insertion of a prosthesis to fuse the bones back together. Orthopedic surgeons perform finger joint fusion according to the following procedure:

  • Cut over the back of the finger joint and carefully move the soft tissues and nerves to expose the damaged joint.
  • Remove the damaged articular cartilage on the end of the bones.
  • Create a hollow in the bones and insert the prosthesis into the hollowed ends of the bones, ensuring a snug fit.
  • Stitch the soft tissues back together.
  • Place the hand in a cast for approximately six weeks until the bone is fully healed.

What Happens After Finger Joint Fusion Surgery?

Following finger joint fusion surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will provide the patient the following post-operative instructions:

  • Keep arm propped up to avoid throbbing and swelling
  • Take prescription medication as needed to control any pain and discomfort
  • Attend follow-up appointments with the orthopedic surgeon within seven days following surgery to assess progress
  • Participate in physical or occupational therapy to help in recovery
  • Start heat, massage and other hands-on therapies to reduce pain and muscle spasm
  • Start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.

Risks and Complications of Finger Joint Fusion Surgery

The risks and complications following artificial finger joint fusion surgery include infection, nerve damage, or failure of the finger joints to properly heal.

Arthritis of the hands is a painful, all-too-common condition that can drastically interfere with your quality of life. Find out if finger joint fusion surgery is right for you.